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GREETINGS, EVERYONE! As I write this, tomorrow is the Lord's Day. You may be reading on the Lord's Day morning as you prepare to attend Bible Study and worship service. Or you may be reading it late on Saturday evening as you are getting ready for bed. Whatever the case, I'm glad you are taking time to consider what is happening in the life of our church this week, and I trust the Lord will bless you in doing so.
ON THIS DATE IN CHURCH HISTORY 1644, the colony of Massachusetts passed a law against the Baptists, calling them "troublers of churches" and subjecting them to banishment (source: https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/today). Incidentally, 1644 is the year that Particular Baptists (that is those who held to the conviction that Christ died on the cross as the atoning substitute for individual persons in particular, not just universal humanity) drafted the London Baptist Confession. A mere seven churches signed this confession, but it became the doctrinal foundation for many more believers and churches to come. They were convinced of the need for churches to practice the baptism of believers by immersion alone. They rejected the majority Christian practice of paedobaptism, i.e. the baptism of infants by aspersion (sprinkling), affusion (pouring), or even immersion. Consequently, they also embraced the idea of a church made up exclusively of regenerate ("born again") people. They also rejected the idea of the state supporting, endorsing, or otherwise officially being connected with any certain church or denomination. They preferred instead the notion of a "free church in a free state," a radical idea for the time. Though they were often persecuted and banished for their troublesome ideas and practices, they remained true to their Scriptural convictions, and we are the better for it today. Here is what is happening this week: THE LORD'S DAY (11/14)
Fighter Verses: John 14:2-3 Call to Worship: Psalm 16 Old Testament Reading: 1 Samuel 2:1-10 New Testament Reading: Hebrews 10:11-25 Prayer of Confession: Psalm 32:5-7 Assurance of Pardon: Psalm 32:1-2 Sermon Text: Luke 8:22-25 Benediction: 2 Corinthians 13:11-14
WEDNESDAY
Kingdom Ministry is Shared Ministry, Luke 8:1-3 Cole McCauley - Casa De Mi Padre Please visit our YouTube Channel to see the edited service video. READ THROUGH THE BIBLE schedule is attached. We are in Week 46. BONUS: This week was Veteran's Day, and it was once again very moving to see the school children, teachers, administrators, and community members honor our local veterans with a patriotic program. This program was canceled last year due to fears concerning COVID-19, so it was really great to see it back again in full force.The color guard posted the colors, the band played, the choir sang, the children recited pledges, and we heard a stirring speech from a local veteran, Steven Sypkens of Plattsburg. This Veteran's Day program and the Memorial Day observance on the courthouse lawn are two of the finest examples of love for our nation that I have ever seen. If you appreciate the fact that you are living in a free country instead of under the tyranny of communism or fascism today, thank a veteran! A few Wednesday evenings ago, I referenced the stirring "Band of Brothers" speech from Henry V on the eve of the Battle of Agincourt, Oct 25, 1415, as playwritten by Shakespeare and portrayed by actor Kenneth Branagh. I can think of few better ways to recognize the spirit of Veteran's Day than by sharing this scene from the 1989 film Henry V. See you in church! Grace and peace, Pastor Greg
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